Tag Archives: Casa Italia

by John Rizzo There is no question that the 2011 Li-Puma-Raimondi Awards event was the best ever. This is due in no small part to the impressive star power involved this time around. There are actually two groups of stars that should be cited. Of course there are the young singers, the scholarship winners, whose brilliant artistry provided the evening’s entertainment. But perhaps the most important stars are the people who funded the awards — those who have stepped up to the plate to champion great Italian culture in a tangible way that must be respected. First we hail the …

by Leonard F. Amari As a result of the vision of Anthony J. Fornelli, one of the great men and career leaders and contributors to the improvement of the Italian-American condition in the Chicago area, and other committed folks from our ethnic community, an Italian American Executive Hall of Fame has been established at Casa Italia in Stone Park. At the initial meeting of this committee in 2007, Chairman Fornelli suggested to committee members Don Bono, Dominic Verlotta, Phyllis Muccianti, Jack LaBrasca, Dominic Sergi, Josette Weber and Leonard Amari, that it would be appropriate to have a place at Casa …

by Joanne Spata Autumn was in the air, mingling with the aromas, sights and sounds of Italy, as Casa Italia celebrated its 5th annual Italian Fall Festival. Nestled on the grounds of Casa Italia, the festive weekend of Oct. 15 and 16 featured continuous musical entertainment, cultural events and Italian delicacies as far as the eye could see. No matter what time you arrived, you were treated to the musical strains of Enzo and Liliana Incandela, Marco Margaritelli, Vince Amore or Johnny Maggio, who filled the Casa Italia grounds with the beautiful sounds of Italian melodies. And, of course, there …

by John Rizzo It was a rainy evening, but that did not dampen the spirits of the opera fans who attended the community’s annual showcase of vocal artistry on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, at Casa Italia. The Vocal Scholarship Awards Dinner has evolved dramatically over the past several years. A few decades earlier, the 37-year-old event was a quiet-but-sociable evening of entertainment presented by mostly C-level young singers, and attended by 40 or 50 people that enjoyed their Italian dinners more than the music. Today the event features a parade of brilliant, outstanding vocalists, many of whom are sure to …

by Joanne Spata The sights, sounds and scents of Christmas were in the air as Casa Italia welcomed over 1,200 people to its annual Christmas Village. What better way to celebrate the holiday than through a show of unity, as eight of Chicago land’s most prestigious organizations joined together to sponsor this most joyous of events. The aroma of roasting chestnuts wafted together with the snap, crackle, pop, of fresh dough frying in the unseasonably warm December air. As the strains of jolly Christmas music were heard, they were enlivened by the clippity clop of a dual horse drawn sleigh …

by Joanne Spata The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia is proud to announce its 2013 Man of the Year will be Dominic Stramaglia. “An entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist, Dominic embodies the true spirit of the Italian Cultural Center,” says event Chairwoman Amy Lemar. “Coming to America as a boy, he brought with him all the best attributes Italy has to offer: his love of family, his keen intellect and his determined spirit.” Dominic Stramaglia was born in Bari, Italy, in 1946. The Stramaglia family traveled across the Atlantic Ocean on the Andrea Doria in 1954, landing at Ellis …

Joanne Spata has been a familiar face in the Italian-American community for the past 30 years, having donated thousands of hours to community service. She has assisted with the planning and execution of dozens of special events benefiting her community. Sharing her insight of the Italian American Community, Joanne wrote a column in the Fra Noi Newspaper for many years, focusing on its highlights and upcoming events. Beginning in April 2013 she will write a monthly on-line column for Fra Noi focusing on Casa Italia. As the first woman elected President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, after …

by Joanne Spata What a perfect match: Dominic Stramaglia and the Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia. They have so much in common! They are both dedicated to their cultural heritage and the support of all that is good, noteworthy and educational. They are very intelligent, creative and entertaining. And they are each priceless treasures to everyone who is fortunate enough to be involved with them. No wonder the Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia selected Dominic Stramaglia as its 2013 Man of the Year. To celebrate this occasion, more than 700 people gathered on Feb. 16 for an incredible …

by Leonard A. Amari As a result of the vision of Anthony J. Fornelli and his dedicated committee, the Italian American Executive Hall of Fame was established at Casa Italia in Stone Park in 2008. The roll of honorees to date reads like a veritable Who’s Who, including Patrick Arbor, Salvatore Balsamo, “Bud” Cataldo, Jerry Colangelo, Paul Davies, Nella Ferraro, Anthony Fornelli, Amadeo Giannini, Lee Iacocca, Steve Lombardo, Gildo Mazzolin, Phyllis Muccianti, Richard Parrillo Sr., Phil Stefani and Mariano Turano. Induction ceremonies take place in the Chandelier Room of Casa Italia, where portraits of the honorees permanently adorn the walls. …

by Joanne Spata The evening started with the elegant sound of a string quartet, but ended with a bang at the 42nd annual Man of the Year dinner dance hosted by the Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia. Our honoree was Dominic Sergi, a longtime Casa board member and founding partner and CEO of REX Electric & Technologies. I have said it before and I will say it again: Exciting things happen when Dominic Sergi is involved. Dominic is a major force in the betterment of our community. His leadership, dedication and determination are legendary. I am truly grateful to …